Gay Mitchell (Dublin South Central, Fine Gael)
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Question 81: To ask the Minister for Finance his views on whether the next National Development Plan should be funded within existing capital envelopes; and the flexibility which exists to relax the envelope. [19416/06]

Richard Bruton (Dublin North Central, Fine Gael)
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Question 114: To ask the Minister for Finance the consultative procedures planned in connection with the National Development Plan 2007-2013; the way in which it is planned to undertake the selection of projects; and if criteria and project ranking against these criteria will be published. [19088/06]

Denis Naughten (Longford-Roscommon, Fine Gael)
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Question 150: To ask the Minister for Finance his plans for the allocation of funding under the next National Development Plan; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19086/06]

Brian Cowen (Laois-Offaly, Fianna Fail)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 81, 114 and 150 together.

The preparation of the next NDP (2007-2013) which is being coordinated by my Department is proceeding. The content and focus of the next NDP and the resultant allocations and prioritisation will be a matter for decision by Government. The new Plan will seek to address the investment now necessary to maintain national competitiveness within a sustainable economic and budgetary framework. It will also set out a coherent investment strategy at sectoral level with particular reference to the infrastructure investment necessary to meet economic and social challenges. In addition the Plan will address a number of horizontal themes including;

—The implementation of the National Spatial Strategy;

—The All-Island Dimension and the potential benefits of cross-border cooperation;

—The promotion of Social Inclusion; and

—Environmental Sustainability.

I envisage that the Plan will be a high level strategic document which will set out a clear framework for project selection over the period of the Plan. The capital investment element of the Plan will obviously reflect the Budget 2007 five year capital envelopes which will be rolled out to 2013 for the purposes of the Plan. Given that the Plan will cover a seven year horizon the seven year capital allocations reflecting Government priorities by programme will be indicative to some degree. This will allow sufficient flexibility to adapt as appropriate to changing circumstances over the period.

An extensive consultation process on the next National Development Plan is under way. Formal submissions have been sought from the Social Partners, the Regional Assemblies, Regional Authorities and a number of concerned interest groups such as the Heritage Council, Comhar, the Combat Poverty Agency and the Western Development Commission. A considerable number of submissions have already been received and my Department has also had meetings with some of the bodies concerned.